· Randy L. Ransier Jr., South Hagerstown High School - semifinalist in the achievement competition.

· Jessica E. Robertson, Boonsboro High School - semifinalist in the achievement competition.

· Dane A. Schiro, St. Maria Goretti High School - semifinalist in the achievement competition.

· Bryant W. Sigler, Williamsport High School - semifinalist in the talent competition.

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· Molly E. Smith, Smithsburg High School - semifinalist in the achievement competition.

· Matthew H. Wagner, North Hagerstown High School - semifinalist in the achievement competition.

· James A. Whitt, Smithsburg High School - semifinalist in the achievement competition.

· Stephen D. Zerance, North Hagerstown High School - semifinalist in the talent competition.

Each year, the commission honors seniors who meet the Distinguished Scholar Program's requirements.

Finalists receive $3,000 scholarships for Maryland colleges or universities, program spokeswoman Walinda P. West said Thursday. The intent is to encourage Maryland students to stay in the state when seeking higher education, West said.

"We are so pleased that these students have been recognized as distinguished scholars," said Carol Mowen, spokeswoman for Washington County Public Schools. "We hope to have even more students recognized in future years."

Students apply to the program during their junior year, West said.

Students honored for academic achievement must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.7, West said.

Of the 4,587 achievement applicants, 277 were selected as finalists and 412 as semifinalists, West said.

The semifinalists had an average SAT score of 1,410 and an average GPA of 3.94, she said. The finalists have an average SAT score of 1,510 and GPA of 3.97, she said.

There were 671 nominations for the talent competition, she said. Of those, 81 were selected as finalists and 48 as semifinalists, she said.